Welded?

I have a 1998 Ford E250 cargo van that I just bought for work. I regularly tow 3000lbs, frequently over rough terrain, but the van hitch was welded onto the bumper. I’m used to factory bolt on hitches as most trucks I’ve towed with have. Is this weld hitch just as safe? Should I be concerned with the attachment being the bumper?

Thanks! Is the problem just quality of weld? What are the disadvantages in the bumper being the attachment point vs frame?

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Both are an issue in my opinion. Attatching to the bumper, your hitch is limited by the towing capacity of the bumper (assuming it’s a hitch style bumper you could install a hitch ball directly into) at best, depending on how it is attached. Most bumpers are rated for around 3000 lbs or so (owners manual should say, bumper probably stamped) and since you mention frequent towing and rough terrain, I’ll strongly recommend a class III (5000lb) or class IV hitch that bolts to your frame.